The wilder Northern section of the Serengeti is refreshingly green with rolling hills undulating towards Kenya. Sayari Camp is located next to the Mara River, which each year sees millions of zebra and wildebeest taking their chances by crossing it on their way north through the open plains of the Serengeti. From July to November, a stay here will put you in the best position for witnessing this; and it has a high density of big cats, elephants, crocodiles and hippos all year round.
The camp is also unique in that it offers access to what is one of the best game-viewing secrets in Northern Tanzania - the superb Mara Triangle, a wedge of of sloping grassland that divides the Mara River from the Kenyan border packed with grazers, the Big Five and endless varieties of birds. Sayari's remote location means game drives without meeting other vehicles (in general this is a lesser-visited part of the Serengeti), and there's a genuine wilderness atmosphere here. Rather than tearing around with a ticklist of animals, you're encouraged to just sit and watch the river with its constant parade of animals.
Of equal draw is the camp itself; genuinely luxurious, and more like a boutique hotel than remote campsite. The 15 spacious guest tents are split into 2 wings, and are thoroughly decadent inside - polished wood floors, kingsize beds, free-standing baths for 2, vast rain showers and private terraces. Depending on your safari itinerary you can transfer here by road, or there is an airstrip 20 minutes away.
Why we chose this partner
- Fantastic migration viewing and an unparalleled game experience
- Luxurious accommodation in a beautifully remote region
- Personalised service from exceptional staff
- Delicious gourmet food from the bush kitchen
- Hearing lions roar in the night, waking to zebras grazing outside, watching the sun set over the Mara river
- It's operated by Asilia, who are extremely reliable and also very active in supporting community and conservation awareness
Please be aware
- The remote location means longer transfers
- Sayari is a cut above the rest in terms of luxury, so we recommend ending your stay here for some true indulgence
- It's also pretty expensive, even by safari lodge standards - but when you stay here, you'll see why
Best time to go
This area is amazing at any time of year. July and August are the best months to see the zebra and wildebeest taking their chances crossing the Mara River on their way north through the open plains of the Serengeti. The camp is closed during the heavy rains of April and May. There's a second bout of wet weather, the 'Short Rains', between October and early December.
Our top tips
Go on a walking safari. Ours was amazing - we learnt heaps about the landscape, saw exciting things like rhino tracks and leopard claw marks right outside the camp, and our tracker was lovely.
Location
Sayari is in the less-visted northern part of the Serengeti in Tanzania. It is normally reached by flying into Kogatende airstrip (5 minutes away).
Because of the complexity of getting there, Sayari can only be booked as part of a safari package. Our featured safaris generally include 2-3 nights at Sayari, or you can request a tailor-made trip to suit your timing and interests.
Safaris start and end at at Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha - served by some international flights as well as frequent hopper flights from Dar es Salaam - or in Arusha itself if you prefer. 
More on getting to Tanzania and getting around